This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News

We began covering DRM issues on the new MacBooks last week, and the story has really
gained momentum since then. This week we link to six more articles on
the issue, so we've given DisplayPort & DRM its own heading. Bear
in mind that this issue isn't going to be limited to MacBooks -
forthcoming desktop Macs will include DisplayPort and have the same
restrictions.

Low End Mac will be closed Nov. 27 through 30 for the Thanksgiving
holiday, so we're posting our news roundups on Wednesday this week.
We'll be back on Monday with new content.

News & Opinion

Unibody MacBooks Slow Down When Battery
Removed

Electronista
reports:

"Apple's newer MacBook range continues to exhibit an unusual design
behavior that slows the system down when the battery isn't attached,
testing by Gearlog confirms. Although only publicized in a support
article from August that predates the late 2008 refresh, the unibody
systems deliberately throttle back the processor when relying only on
AC power. The company argues that the move is necessary to protect the
system from an unintended shutdown if the system demands more energy
than a wall outlet can provide by itself."

Apple Netbook Coming Next Year?

"Apple Inc. will roll out a lower-priced and lighter-weight laptop
in the first half of 2009 to compete in the growing 'netbook' category,
an analyst said today.

"The slipping economy will force Apple to address a glaring omission
in its line-up: the lack of a lower-priced laptop, said Ezra Gottheil,
an analyst with Technology Business Research Inc....

"Apple won't compete directly with netbooks on price or form factor,
Gottheil maintained, but will have to respond with something he
characterized as an 'entry-level notebook' that could compete with the
$300-500 price tags of most netbooks....

"Gottheil pegged the debut of a lower-priced laptop at sometime in
the first six months of 2009, and said that the most likely price point
would be $599...."

How Would You Change Apple's Unibody
MacBook/MacBook Pro?

Engadget's
Darren Murph says:

"Now that you've had well over a month to toy with Apple's latest
MacBook and MacBook Pro, we're just dying to know what your impressions
are. Has the glass trackpad turned you off (or just turned you off to
every other trackpad on the planet)? Is the inability to order the MBP
with a matte display still grating your nerves? Are you happy with the
performance? Is your 'S' key randomly popping off at the most
inopportune times? You just spent a load of cash on what essentially
amounts to a first-generation product - you've every right to make your
voice heard. Do just that in comments below...."

Mini DisplayPort to Dual-DVI Delayed Until December
23

The
Apple Blog's Darrell Etherington reports:

"As if it wasn't aggravating enough that new MacBook owners had to
go out and replace all of their video adapters since Mini-DVI has been
phased out and Mini DisplayPort introduced, today those lucky enough to
have a 30-inch external monitor are now out of luck . . .
again.

"In an email to customers who'd purchased the Apple Mini DisplayPort
to Dual-DVI adapter, which is required to get full-resolution support
on 30-inch external monitors, Apple regrettably informed those affected
that they wouldn't see delivery of their items until December 23. At
least it's before Christmas, right? Still leaves you time to wrap it
and stuff it in that stocking...."

DisplayPort & DRM

Apple Downgrades MacBook Video with DRM

"Once again, thanks to DRM, a new product ends up less useful than
the one it replaces. This time, it's the new family of Apple MacBook
laptop computers that gets the downgrade.

"When it launched the new MacBooks, Apple announced that they would
sport a new digital video output connector, known as Mini DisplayPort.
What Apple failed to mention, however, is that those connectors allow
movies studios to force the computer to authenticate any external
monitor before allowing playback of programs purchased or rented from
the
iTunes Store (Microsoft's Windows Vista does something similar). In
other words, the HDTV monitor or projector that worked for you
yesterday, won't work with your new computer tomorrow if Hollywood has
embedded a flag in the iTunes content you paid for.

"This is a remarkably short-sighted move for both Apple and
Hollywood. This punishes existing iTunes customers: several have
reported that iTunes purchases that played on external monitors on
their old MacBooks no longer will play on their new MacBooks. In other
words, thanks to the MacBook 'upgrade,' Apple just 'downgraded'
everyone's previous investment in iTunes content (if we've told you
once, we've told you a dozen times - when you buy DRMd content, the
vendor can snatch your investment from you at any time)...."

DRM and MacBooks

The Mac
Observer's John Martellaro says:

"Apple has clearly been struggling with how to manage the demands of
Hollywood and the networks on the handling of high definition (HD)
content, DRM, within iTunes, their current hardware and new hardware.
It wasn't hard to see all this coming, especially when one looks at how
the Apple TV works.

"However, with the new MacBooks and DisplayPort, it's fairly clear
that, in general, HD content is going to be restricted to paired
devices that respect HDCP, or its follow-on, DPCP. (High-bandwidth
Digital Content Protection and Display Port Content Protection)

"The basic issue is that, in general, high definition content in
iTunes has to be protected from pilfering. To do that, a source (Mac +
iTunes) and a display must handshake, then create an encrypted
connection. The Apple TV does that via the HDMI physical connector and
protocol plus HDCP.

"On an older Mac, however, with just DVI out, there is no way to
support the modern DPCP protection used with DisplayPort or the HDCP
used with HDMI. As a result, Apple is going to have to gingerly move
into these protected pairings. That's why the new MacBooks were also
announced with a companion display that also has DisplayPort."

MacBook Buyers Bite Apple Over Copy Protection

"Apple's decision to adopt the DisplayPort digital monitor connector
is pissing off punters, all thanks to the technology's incorporation of
a copyright protection mechanism.

"DisplayPort, like HDMI, mandates copy prevention technology.
DisplayPort's system is called DisplayPort Content Protection (DPCP),
but it's essentially the same as the High-bandwidth Digital Content
Protection (HDCP) mechanism used by HDMI.

"Both systems were designed to ensure that digital video streams are
not tapped and duplicated once they've been decoded and transmitted to
a screen....

"It will only be a problem if you connect a DisplayPort connector
via an adaptor to a VGA or DVI monitor. Right now, no one's doing this
but Mac users because, firstly, hardly anyone has a DisplayPort monitor
and, secondly, with the other connectors available, no one needs to use
an adaptor.

"The only people who do are folk who own a new MacBook, MacBook Pro
or MacBook Air. Apple's one-port strategy for monitors has come to bite
it on the bum, big time."

Apple Bends to Studios, Adds Copyright Protection
to MacBooks

Wired's Brian X. Chen
reports:

"Appearing to cave to Hollywood demands, Apple has quietly added a
restrictive copyright protection mechanism to its new MacBooks that is
preventing customers from watching movies on external displays.

"Apple has secretly included a copy protection scheme called
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) in the external
display ports on the latest models of it MacBooks, released in the
middle of October.

"Apple has not disclosed the new anti-copying mechanism, and now
increasing numbers of customers are discovering that they cannot play
movies bought from the iTunes online store on many external monitors,
TVs or projectors."

MacBook Owners Up in Arms About New Copyright
Software

A Yahoo! News
story by Tameka Kee reports:

"Apple is bundling a form of copyright protection software into new
MacBooks that has some buyers up in arms. Called High-bandwidth Digital
Content Protection (HDCP), the technology prevents MacBook owners from
playing movies they've purchased through iTunes on many external
monitors, TVs or projectors - meaning they're stuck watching flicks
they've paid for on much smaller screens....

"Wired says *Intel* bowed the technology back in 2001, but Apple
began quietly embedding it in new MacBooks this year as a way to
appease Hollywood studios wary of licensing content to iTunes...."

Apple Cripples MacBooks with Hollywood-Mandated
DRM

InformationWeek's Mitch Wagner reports:

"Users of brand-new aluminum MacBooks are being blocked from playing
movies on some external displays because of DRM built into the devices
at the behest of Hollywood, according to reports. External displays
used to play the movies need to be compliant with the High Definition
Content Protection standard....

"Apple plans to adopt the technology across its entire product line,
meaning buyers of future Macs will likely experience the same problems,
according to Sam Oliver at AppleInsider, who provides more background
on the technologies.

"Even monitors and TVs that support HDCP might not work, apparently
due to buggy implementations, according to The Unofficial Apple
Weblog's Michael Rose. Apple TV users have been struggling with these
problems for a while...."

Tech Trends

Samsung Producing 256 GB Solid State Drive

PR: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that it has
begun mass producing 256 gigabyte (GB) solid state drives for use in
notebooks and desktop PCs. With the addition of the high-speed 256 GB
drive, Samsung now offers the most extensive line of SSDs in the
industry with 8, 16, and 32 GB SSDs for low-density designs and 64, 128
and 256 GB alternatives for the higher densities.

The new 256 GB SSD more than doubles the performance rates of
Samsung 64 GB and 128 GB SSDs to become the SSD with the highest
overall performance in the personal computer industry, combining
sequential read rates of 220 MB/s (megabytes per second) with
sequential write rates of 200 MB/s. This sharply narrows the
performance gap between read and write operations to only 10 percent,
compared to a read-write speed difference of between 20 and 70 percent
for other SSDs. In addition, erase cycles are a rapid 100 GBs per
minute, allowing the entire drive to be rewritten much faster, when
needed.

"While SSD's have always been touted for their performance, Samsung
is turning the storage industry upside down now with an SSD that
delivers truly disruptive performance," said Jim Elliott, vice
president, memory marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. "Getting our
exceptionally high performing 256 GB SSD in a notebook is analogous to
having a 15,000 rpm drive, without all of its size, noise, power and
heating drawbacks."

The Samsung 256 GB SSD expedites data transfer when large multimedia
files are simultaneously read and stored. It can store 25
high-definition movies* in just 21 minutes, a significant advancement
over a 7200 rpm hard disk drive (HDD), which takes about 70 minutes.
Furthermore, the 256 GB SSD launches applications 10 times faster than
the fastest 7200 rpm notebook HDD.

The 256 GB SSD's advanced performance can be attributed to a new,
optimized, single platform design consisting of a chip controller, NAND
flash and special drive firmware all developed by Samsung. This single
platform is designed to easily adapt to Samsung's 40nm class NAND flash
memory.

Also offering a high degree of energy efficiency, the new drive
consumes 1.1 watts of power versus two or more watts for a comparable
HDD, while delivering outstanding reliability and durability. The high
operating speed of the 256 GB SSD translates into longer periods in
either standby or idle mode resulting in up to 40 minutes of extended
operation on a single battery charge.

Products

New Laptop Cool Table with 2 Built-in USB
Fans

PR: Arbella Enterprises, Inc. ( www.mycooltable.com )
has announced the availability of their new laptop table called the
"Laptop Cool Table." It is a unique product that combines a cooling pad
with a laptop table. It quickly turns a laptop into a portable desktop
by raising the computer to a comfortable level.

The marquee feature of the Laptop Cool Table is its cooling ability.
Laptop batteries can get very hot during use. The table houses two
built-in USB fans which help to cool the laptop's battery for optimal
performance and prolonged life. The table's USB cord easily connects to
the laptop USB port which powers the table's fans. The user has the
option of using the table as a flat cooling pad by leaving the legs
folded.

The
flexible design enables users to easily place their laptop in the most
comfortable position. Raising the laptop reduces sore wrists/back and
keeps the hot battery from burning the user's legs. The unit requires
no assembly and adjusts in seconds. The legs extend vertically and
horizontally and work independently. This enables the user to adjust
the unit, regardless of the surface, i.e. the desk, the bed, the couch
or the floor.

Lightweight and compact construction make's the table ideal for
traveling wherever you take your laptop. Unlike many other laptop
tables that have lengthy assembly steps, the Laptop Cool Table sets up
and folds down quickly. Also with no parts to assemble there are never
missing or lost pieces. This versatile table is ready for the indoors,
outdoors, home or office. It is constructed of sturdy tubular aluminum
and Plexiglas that will last for many years.

Arbella Enterprises has produced many unique inventions and does not
compromise on quality. The company's focus is to provide the highest
quality of products at affordable prices. They are located in Los
Angeles, Calif., and they have been in business for 15 years.

Dimensions

Size: 18"L, 10.75"W, 1.125"D

Weight: 2.5 lb.

Price: $49.95

Shipping in the continental US: $12

Alaska, Hawaii, international or rush and multiple orders, call for
quote: (818) 882-1919

The Mikegyver Power Travel Kit MacBook MagSafe DC
Car/Airline Adapter

PR: The Mikegyver Power Kit is a direct power solution with
MagSafe cable. You can charge your MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air on
the airplane (empower plug included), car, truck, boat, and house. No
more wasted energy using inverters. By using our conversion process,
you ensure that you continue to use the Apple MagSafe connector and
performance you've come to expect (orange for charging, and Green light
for charged).

The Mikegyver Power Travel kit with MagSafe Airline Adapter
works with in-seat DC power ports available on many commercial
airliners - both EmPower ports and car ports with the included adapter
that actually charges the battery in flight. Check with your airline
regarding availability of in-seat power ports.

Because it's a MagSafe Adapter, you'll continue to enjoy MagSafe
convenience just as you're already enjoying at home or work. The
magnetic DC plug both ensures a tight connection and enables a clean
break from the power port if there is undue tension - preventing your
MacBook from being pulled off of your tray table if someone
accidentally yanks the cord. -Apple Computer

The Mikegyver Power Travel Kit includes the Apple Adapter and a
Car/Airline DC adapter with genuine Apple MagSafe connector.

Important Note:

It WILL charge the battery in Airlines/car while you use it.

It IS compatible with automobile power ports & Empower
ports.

You will maintain FULL functionality of your Apple adapter & DC
car/airline adapter

Users will be able to use optional accessories such as external
Batteries

The MacBook Kensington MagSafe 120w AC/DC
Car/Airline Adapter

PR: Apple's MagSafe Airline adapter is limited to only
powering your MacBook in airlines (no Charge) and does not work in
cars.

Using inverters is not the answer, because they typically use too
much power and are very inefficient. This could mean a dead car battery
sooner than you think. This is also the reason why you can't use
inverters on airplanes - because they supply limited power. Also, Apple
has a patent on MagSafe, no one is legally allowed to copy the MagSafe
connector, so this is the only other option (without infringing on
Apple's patent).

Solution: The All-in-one AC/DC Car/Airline (Empower plug
included) adapter is a direct power solution with MagSafe cable. You
can charge your MacBook/MacBook Pro/MacBook Air on the airplane, car,
truck, boat and house. No more wasted energy using inverters.

Because it's a MagSafe Adapter, you'll continue to enjoy MagSafe
convenience just as you're already enjoying at home or work. The
magnetic DC plug both ensures a tight connection and enables a clean
break from the power port if there is undue tension - preventing your
MacBook from being pulled off of your tray table if someone
accidentally yanks the cord. -Apple Computer

All Your Mobile Power Needs in One Slim Package

Packed with 120 watts of power, the Kensington Notebook AC/DC Power
Adapter uses patented technology to deliver all the power you need in a
size that is 40% smaller and lighter than other power supplies. With
its AC and DC power options, you always have the right adapter -
whether in the office, on the road, or in the air. The Kensington
Notebook AC/DC 120w Power Adapter is the ideal replacement for your
existing power supply. It is designed to provide reliable power for
today's larger, high-performance notebooks as well as other small
mobile electronics such as iPods, cell phones, DVD players, and
PDAs.

Features:

It will charge the battery anywhere while you use it.

Up to 40% smaller and lighter than other chargers for easy
portability

Axiotron Adds New Modbook Providers to
Network

PR:Modbook
manufacturer Axiotron has announced an expansion of its US retail and
service network. Fourteen new Axiotron Authorized Resellers and
Axiotron Authorized Service Providers located in Florida, Georgia,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Texas, and California
will offer the Modbook and Modservice, Axiotron's innovative service
that enables customers to transform their existing Apple MacBook
computer into an Axiotron Modbook tablet solution.

The world's only
tablet Mac computer, the award-winning Modbook employs state-of-the-art
pen tablet input so users can draw, sketch and write directly on the
screen and control the Mac OS X operating system without a keyboard or
mouse. Most non-aluminum Intel Core 2 Duo-based Apple MacBooks are
eligible for conversion into an Axiotron Modbook through
Modservice.

Modservice starts at $1,299. The Modbook has a manufacturer's
suggested retail price of $2,199. Customers can place an order request
for Modservice or the Modbook online.

Besides selling Axiotron Modbooks built from new Apple MacBook base
systems, Axiotron's service providers will carry out the Modservice
conversion process. The service provider can also perform upgrades to
the Apple MacBook base system prior to conversion such as additional
memory or a larger hard drive, as well as offer servicing and repair of
Axiotron Modbooks produced through Modservice.

"We're excited to welcome these experienced resellers and service
providers to our growing network," said Axiotron CEO Andreas E. Haas.
"Axiotron's new partners have the tools, training and resources to
support the Modbook and to make our Modservice a great experience for
customers."

In addition to Other World Computing (macsales.com) in Woodstock,
Illinois, and Carbon Computing (carbonation.com) with three locations
in Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the
fourteen new retail locations are:

"We are pleased to be a part of Axiotron's service provider and
reseller network," said Bryan Murray, President of MacHollywood. "The
Modbook and Modservice are exactly the kind of cutting-edge product
offerings that our customers are looking for."

Axiotron will continue to add additional service providers and
resellers to its network.

Fusion Canvas/Leather Solar Messenger Bag

PR: Keeping your batteries charged and ready to go is an
obsession for many consumers of personal electronics. The original
patented Eclipse Solar Gear product line is designed to trickle charge
the batteries of many types and brands of electronics including cell
phones, smart phones, handheld GPS units, and MP3 players with a
convenient solar charging solution. Basically anything you can plug
into your car using a 12V auto adapter can be trickle charged using
solar bags by Eclipse Solar Gear.

The selection of Fusion Messenger Bags are made of
durable 1680D, 800D nylons, and recycled materials as well as natural
heavy canvas with leather trim. The feature rich messenger bags include
a large main compartment, a padded laptop compartment, file
compartments, organizer pockets, a padded shoulder strap, accessory
pockets, side pockets, and of course the solar charging module.

The integrated flexible solar charging module can be utilized by
plugging in your existing 12V auto adapter (cigarette lighter adapter).
There are no extra adapters needed. The thin film flexible solar panel
is made to withstand the environment and provide a long lasting source
of personal solar energy for your gadgets.

The Fusion Messenger Bags are now available in gray, black, and
natural heavy canvas with leather trim. The Fusion Messenger Bags carry
a limited lifetime warranty for materials and workmanship. If a product
fails due to a manufacturing defect and/or material defect, Eclipse
Solar Gear will repair or replace the product.

The new canvas and leather Fusion Messenger Bags are available
online at eclipsesolargear.com. The Fusion Messenger Bags in gray/black
are now available at select Macy's stores.

Speck SeeThru Satin Soft-Touch Hard Shell Case for
MacBook

PR: Silky-soft to the touch with the same
protection as the trusted SeeThru line; introducing SeeThru Satin. Give
your MacBook a smooth, semi-translucent frosted finish that easily
slips in and out your bag while retaining a grippy edge. Allows you
access to all your important plugs and drives while highlighting the
unique look of your new MacBook 13" (aluminum unibody/black
keyboard.)

Silky-smooth soft-touch hard shell protection

Protects your MacBook from scrapes and scratches

Smooth yet grippy rubberized exterior texture

Allows MacBook to be open all the way

Fully vented for safe heat disbursement

Access to all ports, battery check button and CD/DVD drive

Totally removable - easy to put on and take off

Built-in rubberized feet keep your notebook stable and secure

Includes soft cleaning cloth

Installing your SeeThru Satin case on your MacBook
is simple and easy. First, gently dust off your MacBook before putting
on your new SeeThru Satin. Close your MacBook and place the bottom
shell on a table or hard surface. Press your notebook gently down into
the shell until it snaps into the small tabs. Next, take the top shell
and press it evenly down onto the top of your MacBook, applying
pressure to the corners until it snaps snugly into place. To remove,
pull the small tabs away from your notebook. If you are experiencing
any difficulty, simply slip a credit card in the slot between your case
and MacBook and pop off the tabs. We recommend removing the case
periodically to dust or clean your MacBook

This SeeThru Satin case is engineered specifically to fit onto the
new 13-inch MacBook (aluminum/black keyboard). If you have a "white or
black" MacBook, this case will not fit.

The smart design lets you open and close your notebook all the way,
and access all keys, sensors, ports and plugs through specifically
engineered cutouts. To access the battery door, easily snap off the
bottom panel.

SeeThru Satin is made of special hard polycarbonate plastic with an
added soft-touch rubberized exterior coating to give it it's silky and
grippy feel. the cases work with your computer's internal cooling
system to keep your MacBook cool and safe. There are ventilation slots
on the bottom of the case designed specifically for this purpose.

Speck SeeThru Satin Soft-Touch Hard Shell Case for
MacBook Pro

PR: Silky-soft to the touch with the same
protection as our trusted SeeThru line; introducing SeeThru Satin. Give
your MacBook Pro a smooth, semi-translucent frosted finish that easily
slips in and out your bag while retaining a grippy edge for your peace
of mind. Allows you access to all your important plugs and drives while
highlighting the unique look of your MacBook Pro 15" (unibody/black
keyboard.)

Silky-smooth soft-touch hard shell protection

Protects your MacBook Pro from scrapes and scratches

Smooth yet grippy rubberized exterior texture

Allows MacBook to be open all the way

Fully vented for safe heat disbursement

Totally removable - easy to put on and take off

Built-in rubberized feet keep your notebook stable and secure

Access to all ports, battery check button and CD/DVD drive

Includes soft cleaning cloth

Installing your SeeThru Satin case on your MacBook
Pro is simple and easy. First, gently dust off your MacBook Pro before
putting on your new SeeThru Satin. Close your MacBook Pro and place the
bottom shell on a table or hard surface. Press your MacBook gently down
into the shell until it snaps into the small tabs. Next, take the top
shell and press it evenly down onto the top of your MacBook, applying
pressure to the corners until it snaps snugly into place. To remove,
pull the small tabs away from your notebook. If you are experiencing
any difficulty, simply slip a credit card in the slot between your case
and MacBook and pop off the tabs. We recommend removing the This
SeeThru Satin was engineered specifically to fit onto the new
generation of MacBook Pro 15" (unibody/black keyboard.)

The smart design lets you open and close your MacBook Pro all the
way, and access all keys, sensors, ports and plugs through specifically
engineered cutouts. To access the battery door, easily snap off the
bottom panel.

SeeThru Satin is made of special hard polycarbonate plastic with an
added soft-touch rubberized exterior coating to give it it's silky and
grippy feel.

These hard shells work with your computer's internal cooling system
to keep your MacBook Pro cool and safe. Ventilation slots on the bottom
of the case are designed specifically for this purpose.

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We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.

Welcome Image and Text

We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.

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Welcome Image and Text

We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.